Description
This recipe for Garlic Butter Lobster Tails is designed to take the intimidation factor out of seafood. What makes this version special is the balance between the natural sweetness of the lobster meat and a rich, velvety garlic butter sauce that soaks into every crevice of the tail. It is a beginner-friendly recipe that works perfectly for a romantic date night or a celebratory Sunday dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5–7 oz cold water lobster tails
- Unsalted grass-fed butter
- Fresh garlic cloves, minced
- Fresh lemon juice
- Smoked paprika
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Butterfly the Tails: Using sharp kitchen shears, snip down the center of the shell toward the tail fan. Stop just before the fins. Lift the meat up and rest it on top of the shell.
- Make the Garlic Butter: Melt butter over low heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 60 seconds. Whisk in lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in parsley.
- Baste and Bake: Place tails on a baking sheet and brush generously with the garlic butter.
- Cook to Perfection: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes until meat is opaque and white.
- Rest and Garnish: Spoon remaining butter over the tails. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Cold water lobster is preferred for firmer, sweeter meat. Avoid overcooking to prevent the lobster from becoming rubbery. For extra brightness, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tail
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 19g
- Cholesterol: 110mg